Michael Jackson's Doctor Found Guilty Of Involuntary Manslaughter

At the conclusion of a six-week trial, late musical icon Michael Jackson's personal doctor Conrad Murray has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the singer's June 2009 death.

Murray's verdict was announced Monday (November 7) after 48 hours of discussions amongst the trial's jurors.

Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor handed the case to the seven-man, five-woman jury Thursday after closing arguments by prosecutor David Walgren and lead defense lawyer Ed Chernoff. Over nearly six weeks of testimony, jurors heard from 33 prosecution witnesses and 16 defense witnesses. More than 340 exhibits were available in the jury room as the panel mulled a verdict. (USA Today)

The jury ultimately felt Murray allowed Jackson to meet his demise.

Jackson died in June 2009 from a fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol, which Murray acknowledged giving Jackson to help him sleep. Prosecutors contended Murray gave Jackson the fatal dose of the powerful anesthetic in the bedroom of the singer's Southern California mansion. Defense attorneys claimed Jackson gave himself the lethal dose when Murray left the room. (CBS News)

During the trial, details of Jackson's final hours alive were learned.

During the last 24 hours of his life, Jackson sang and danced at a spirited rehearsal, reveling in the adulation of fans who greeted him outside. Then came a night of horror, chasing sleep -- the most elusive treasure the millionaire entertainer could not buy. Testimony showed Murray gave Jackson intravenous doses that night of the sedatives lorazepam and midazolam. Jackson also took a Valium pill. But nothing seemed to bring sleep. Finally, Murray told police, he gave the singer a small dose of propofol -- 25 milligrams -- that seemed to put him to sleep. The doctor said he felt it was safe to leave his patient's bedside for a few minutes, but Jackson was not breathing when he returned. (Fox News)

Currently held by authorities, Murray will be formally sentenced at the end of November.

A stone-faced Murray appeared to show no emotion as the verdict was read. Sentencing was set for November 29, with Murray facing up to four years in prison on the conviction. Judge Michael Pastor ordered Murray to be held without bail until that date, and Murray was led from the courtroom in handcuffs. (CNN)

Consequence Says It's Not All G.O.O.D. W/ Pusha T, "Only Person I Squashed Anything W/ Was Kanye West"

Former G.O.O.D. Music affiliate Consequence has killed speculation suggesting that he has squashed any issues with  Pusha T, in light of his recent truce with his boss, rap star Kanye West.

Confirming he has resumed contact with Yeezy, Cons said he has not killed his issues with G.O.O.D. Music's Pusha T.

"I just think it's more healthy at this point to stay away from certain questions," Cons told radio host EI8HT in an interview. "Because I do have a blackout switch. It just goes. So when you start saying today's secret words, like certain people's names, that's why I just have to stop you. ... [Me and Pusha squashed our beef?] I ain't ever do nothing with nobody. The only person I squashed anything with was Kanye West." (Street Disciplez Radio)

While tensions with Pusha may still run high, Cons recently said his issues with Yeezy were resolved a couple months ago.

"I got a couple of updates," Cons said in an interview. "Me and Kanye spoke. When you have a situation like we had, you know, it's emotional, it's tempers flying, it's a lot of people chiming in. You know what I'm saying? Whether you're referring to the bloggers, the fans, supporters on either side -- unfortunately when you see war, you see division. You know what I'm saying? It got to the point where I was just like, 'I'm gonna hit son one time and one time only and see where you're at with this. Is it going to be all the way [turned] up.' ... So we spoke, well, I hit him and he hit me back with one of those all-caps tirades. It was an e-mail. He was pissed and rightfully so and I was pissed and that's why things happened the way they happened but like I said, he spoke his piece, I spoke my piece. He told me he loved me. The feud is over with Kanye. Is the feud over with other people? See me in the streets." (RapFix)

In early September, Cons spoke out on G.O.O.D. Music's Pusha T taunting his disses.

"You know, it's just a lot of people talking. Well, not a lot of people talking. It's one guy talking, and he's talking about how what I'm doing is pathetic," Cons said referring to Pusha. "And I think it's really funny that he says that, because the pressure's not on me. The pressure's on him, and that guy is Pusha T. The pressure's not on me because I'm not on G.O.O.D. Music, and I ain't been signed to G.O.O.D. Music for a year and [still] don't have a solid release date. I'm gonna be real with you." (Hip Hop DX)

In late August, Pusha said Cons was out of line for blaming his career on Ye.

"I just think it's pretty pathetic, man. It all boils down to royalty, and having certain principles. Nobody maliciously tries to do anything," Pusha explained in an interview. "This is a business, and sometimes things don't work -- some artists don't pop. But I don't think you blame the head of that crew for it, especially in a business like this, which is so self-sufficient. It's really unfortunate, but what can you say?" (NY Mag)

"It Ain't Like A Rick Ross Concert Where Women Are Just Throwing The P*ssy Out"

In light of the recent release of his solo album Dirty Pretty Things, SOHH recently caught up with rapper Big Pooh to discuss the "pretty things" he has come in contact with throughout his career.

While on the topic of "pretty things," SOHH inquired about touring life and how the North Carolina MC deals with groupie love.

"I ain't one of them artists where chicks see me and wanna throw the panties at me type rappers, man [laughs]. Women tend to think I have alot of groupies, and of course, there are women who are drawn to this lifestyle, but you can be a mechanic and have groupies. But at this level that I'm at, you still have to put in work in order to get a groupie or get a female. It's not an automatic, 'When I see you, we f*ckin'' situation. That's rare." (SOHH)

When asked about the type of females that would visit shows by Pooh and his former group, Little Brother, the rapper insisted they were rarely of the "anything goes" variety.

"What alotta people don't realize is that our shows used to bring alot of couples out. There were women that liked the group, but it ain't like a Rick Ross concert where women are just throwing the p*ssy out. You still had to exhibit a little talk game."(SOHH)

On the creative side, Harlem MC A$AP Rocky said that chicks hanging around can become an unnecessary distraction for some artists when trying to produce new material.

"When pretty girls are just hanging around [the studio] people generally tend to not perform as well on the mic. You may be in the booth recording your verse, and you mess up and feel a little silly because there girl is sitting there [observing you]. [For me], it doesn't matter how many women are there, I'm just speaking in general."(SOHH)

According to Juvenile, female fans on the prowl for a little one-on-one time with the New Orleans rapper will be sorely disappointed.

"I don't deal with them. I just greet 'em, give 'em a smile and hug and that's it. They tell me how much they love me and appreciate me, but I make sure I draw that line because I'm a married man with a family. I got daughters, and I want my daughters to be treated a certain way if they ever meet a celebrity. With me, whenever I bump into female fans I try to keep it as respectable as possible." (SOHH)

In 2010, rap veteran Bun B offered some advice to artists in danger of falling victim to a big butt and a smile.

"You have to be smarter than your d*ck," he revealed in an interview. "That's just being real. When I say that, I mean not allowing sex to make dumb decisions for you to the point where you don't even allow your brain to interfere. If it just comes down to a physical thing and you let sex lead the way, you are going to be in trouble time and time again...Make sure the n*ggas that surround you have dealt with women on a mature level. Because that's where the problems starts. A lot of these cats have never really had a woman before, especially the caliber of women that comes with our career. And that's something that a lot of these cats can't turn down. You have to make sure you are surrounded by experienced men." (VIBE)

Amber Rose Goes Hard In The Booth, "I'm In The Studio Every Single Night"

With video vixen Amber Rose recently dishing on plans to try her hand as a singer, SOHH hit up the current season two "Master of the Mix"  judge to find out how serious she is about her music grind.

Although she is still fully engaged in her current career, Rose said you can always catch her in one spot on any given night.

"Oh yeah man, I'm in the studio every single night," Rose told SOHH. "Like, I do not sleep. [laughs] I'm really, really, grinding. I'm really in the studio. The music that I make is fun, it's dance music, it's club, just super fun music that gets you in a great mood and makes you happy. So I'm all about music and this is my time to really, really come out and hopefully make people happy when they listen to it." (SOHH)

A few days ago, Rose credited boyfriend/rapper Wiz Khalifa for pushing her to take music seriously.

"My inspirations would probably be... Definitely Missy Elliott, definitely, Fergie - when she's rapping and Pitbull. Just big, big music - Dance music that just makes you happy," she said in an interview. "[Wiz's] definitely a part of that influence. Just seeing how he works, how he is in the studio and just how talented he is. ... I write all my own stuff, I've been writing music for a period of time, and it's always been personal for me. I never really opened up about it but you know Wiz is the love of my life, so I told him: 'Babe, I wrote all this stuff...' and he's like, 'Baby... You have pure talent. You can do this.' So I just took what he said and I feel so inspired to do it." (Hip Hop DX)

In August, the love couple hinted at music-making together.

"We're working on some music for me, yeah," Amber Rose toldBillboard.com on collaborating with Wiz Khalifa. "It's going to be mysterious," Wiz added. "It's going to be very mysterious," Amber Rose said. "You may not even know it's me. We might just throw it out there, might give it out and see what's up." Aside from working on Amber Rose's musical debut, Wiz is working on newmusic himself. "I'm also working on another album and stuff like that. Just chilling out, having fun, I just got done with touring." (Billboard)

In addition to modeling, television and music, Rose is currently trying her hand at acting.

"It's been a really amazing year. I have two movies coming out, one is Just Add Water, which is a sci-fi thriller, where I play a supervisor to all the Androids on a spaceship. Then in Gang of Roses 2, I play a bounty hunter who is also a butch lesbian, which was super cool, because even though I dress androgynous sometimes, I'm really feminine. So I had to hang out with Wiz and the guys, and study their mannerisms. I even had a speech coach to help make my voice deep." (BET)

Eminem & DMX Collabo In The Works, "We're Going To See Hip-Hop History"

Grammy-winning rapper Eminem is helping DMX regain his career spark by teaming up with the former Ruff Ryders leader for a collaboration.

According to producer veteran Cavie, X and Em's record is currently in production.

"That right there, I'm going to be honest with you, it was just an idea we were throwing around and it kind of just stuck -- I probably should give all the credit to that to my man Ali and [Def Jam executive] Randy Acker," Cavie told SOHH. "They got ties with Marshall [Eminem] and they were like, 'We're good with Marshall and we're good with X. How can we make this record happen?' To my knowledge, they've already had the phone conversation, they've already spoke, everything is good. They talked on a real level. I don't want to get too deep into it but they've already spoken and the record is in the making. We're just waiting for all of the particulars to come flying. We're going to see hip-hop history." (SOHH)

In August, X promised to make a strong return to the hip-hop scene.

"I kind of took it back to how I felt on my first album -- the hunger, the energy, the hardness of it," says the 40-year-old rapper (real name: Earl Simmons), who was released from prison on July 19. "I've had a lot of late nights in the studio, getting it in, getting it back to where it's supposed to be," says DMX, whose last album, 2006's "Year of the Dog... Again," has sold 344,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The rapper also notes that the lyrical focus of the album will be "bringing hip-hop back to where it's supposed to be. It's not at a good place right now... [There's] a lot of whack rappers out there. It's too corny." (Billboard)

Having recently spent four years behind bars before making a music comeback, rapper Black Rob talked to SOHH last summer about X's return after nearly 12 months behind bars.

"First of all, I just want to tell him I love him, man," Rob toldSOHH. "He was one of the reasons why I wanted to go so hard all the time in my music. When I met him, it was like, 'Oh sh*t.' When we were in the cipher, we were going in. You hear me? Like, going in because nobody was backing down. N*ggas was going. Rhyme after rhyme, line after line. When I met him, it was like this is my dude. X used to come pick me up from my crib on 118th. He used to hit me up like, 'Come on downstairs, dog, we getting outta here.' Me and him used to drive around with the dogs in the back of the motherf*cking truck, driving around getting high and doing what we do and the things we loved to do, man. Big shout outs go out to him. I love him to death and I just want him to come on back and maybe he feels like this ain't his calling no more. He's real spiritual. You feel me? Maybe he feels like this ain't his calling no more." (SOHH)

Having paved a career dating back to N.W.A.'s early days, Cavie is also currently working on new projects for T.I. and Goodie Mob.

Cavie (as he's better known) has been producing music since he was 12 years old, with a little known group at the time called N.W.A.. Soon after, the group blew up and so did Cavie. He has traveled around the world producing music for the biggest names in hip-hop, so it was no surprise when he got the call to produce Cee Lo Green's new solo album. This project is not the only album on Cavie's plate. He recently agreed to work with Teddy Riley and another album for Macy Gray, and he's also crafting hits for the comeback albums of Goodie Mob, T.I. and DMX. (Press Release)

No further details have been revealed as of now.

Webbie Denies Sexually Harassing "106 & Park" Host Rocsi

Louisiana rapper Webbie continues to defend his image after recently getting banned from further appearances on BET's popular "106 & Park" program, courtesy of co-host Terrence J and denies speculation claiming he sexually harassed show sidekick Rocsi.

Along with denying having said anything inappropriate to Rocsi, Webbie said he is ready to move on from the hype.

"Nothing. You seen the picture," Webbie told hip-hop personality Julia Beverly when asked what he told Rocsi which resulted in Terrence J announcing his ban. "That's what I said -- go look at the picture. He put his own words to that. You know what I'm saying? I'm not saying it in an arrogant way. ... You can't stop me from being black entertainment, man. Not no one person -- you ain't got enough power to call that shot. [What did the BET executives tell me?] They said, 'Ah, don't worry about that, man. Don't worry about that little clown.' But look, I'm trying to calm all that down, Julia, 'cause it got people talking about when they catch that boy outside, they're gonna do [something]. You know, that's how fans is, they're crazy." (Ozone Magazine)

A couple weeks ago, Webbie said he still supported BET despite the alleged ban.

"It ain't nothing against me and BET. BET, I love BET, I've been watching BET all my life. I am BET, BET is black entertainment, you know what I'm saying?" Webbie explained in an interview. "That was some personal stuff, you know with Rocsi and Terrence you know, that's his old lady I guess. Go look at the computer, look at the Vibe Magazine and that's what happened...I didn't never know her personally, I just know how we live and where we live and the picture just explains it all. I just say Terrence, get yo h*e man! ... This ain't got nothing to do with the millions of kids that I say stay in school. I make sure to say stay in school." (WGCI)

Webbie recently took shots at Terrence and called him jealous.

"How can you tell me I'm not, I 'am' BET," Webbie said in a video. "You looking at BET right now. So Terrence, I'm sorry your b*tch [co-host Rocsi] wanted me to put that d*ck on her. Get your h*e, man. Get your f*cking h*e man. Get your h*e man." (Original Hollywood Films)

Terrence made headlines a week prior by publicly banning Webbie from "106 & Park" following his appearance on the weekday show as a guest judge.

"We would not like to thank Lil Webbie who is now banned from coming on the show. We will not be seeing him on '106 & Park' anymore," Terrence said following the show's Freestyle Friday segment. ("106 & Park")

Lil Wayne Leaves Wetness At Home, Preps Dry Run

Grammy-winning rapper Lil Wayne is continuing his non-drinking ways by revealing plans to embark on a liquor-free overseas tour kicking off this month.

According to reports, Weezy's decision to keep liquor shelved comes courtesy of a three-year probation.

Lil Wayne has announced he'll be "dry" when he tours South Africa and Australia for the first time this month and next month. The Grammy-winning rapper, who's reportedly bringing a whopping 50-member entourage with him to the other side of the world, will be alcohol-free the entire time thanks to his three-year probation for drug possession. Weezy's probation conditions prohibit him from consuming liquor or knowingly associating with people engaged in criminal activities or taking narcotics. To compensate for the lack of chemical stimulation the 29-year-old's ensuring his crew travel in style, requiring tour promoters in both countries to provide five top-of-the-range SUVs and a luxury bus. (Dr. Jays)

Last month, Wayne discussed his struggles with staying alcohol-free.

"I'm good. I ain't tripping. I'm used to it now. But I was never on heroin or cocaine or Ecstasy or nothing like that. I drank syrup and smoked a lotta weed. I wish I could be back on it. That's how it f*cking feels. [cracking himself up] "How does it feel to be sober?" I'll be like, "It feels f*cked-up." What you want me to say? "It feels great"? No. I was on something that the doctor prescribed. I was ill, and that was helping me...I cannot wait until I get off probation, sweetheart. Not for syrup. No, not for syrup. I stopped syrup May 9 of 2009. But nobody knew. Because I still rapped about it. Because I respect the culture of where it came from. I still rep that sh*t." (GQ Magazine)

In February, Young Money's Nicki Minaj talked about Weezy's life sans drugs.

"Clearer than ever," Minaj said referring to Lil Wayne's state of mind. "It's like talking to him, he's like a new person. Like, um, he's nicer. He's more calm. I don't know. I guess when you're not getting high, it just, you have to deal with reality and I think he likes his reality now. He's really super appreciative and you know, I don't know. The couple times I've seen him, it's just, a joy to be around...He's easier to get along with and easier to talk to, I feel now." (Tim Westwood TV)

Following last year's jail release for a gun conviction, Wayne was forced to address a 2008 drug possession case which resulted in his current probation.

Lil Wayne has officially checked in with the probation department in Yuma County, Arizona to begin his three year sentence stemming from a drug-filled tour bus incident from 2008. Wayne has been ordered to three years of unsupervised probation and 360 hours of community service -- which he will perform in Miami, where he resides. If Weezy's a good boy -- Yuma officials will drop the felony to a misdemeanor, which could benefit the rapper in the event that he's arrested in the future. It could also help on a job application. (TMZ)

Amber Rose Shoots Up The Ladies, "I Play A Bounty Hunter Who's Also A Butch Lesbian"

Not satisfied with her video vixen background and new music career, Amber Rose has announced roles in upcoming new films.

Rose said she even took some acting notes from being around boyfriend/rapper Wiz Khalifa.

"It's been a really amazing year. I have two movies coming out, one is Just Add Water, which is a sci-fi thriller, where I play a supervisor to all the Androids on a spaceship. Then in Gang of Roses 2, I play a bounty hunter who is also a butch lesbian, which was super cool, because even though I dress androgynous sometimes, I'm really feminine. So I had to hang out with Wiz and the guys, and study their mannerisms. I even had a speech coach to help make my voice deep." (BET)

A few days ago, Rose hit up SOHH and talked about her involvement with BET's "Master of the Mix" deejay competition.

"The thing of it is, obviously I'm not a deejay, I don't know how to scratch and mix records. But the one thing that I do know is how to party. I know when a deejay is playing a hit, the party is jumping and everybody's on the dance floor with everyone having fun. I know when the deejay is playing a song that doesn't mix well, that doesn't go together and that makes people leave the dance floor. They're like, "Ah man, why the h*ll did he play this? I'm gonna go and get a drink. You know, I'm just not even happy anymore." People go to parties to make them happy. They want to go to parties, meet girls and guys and really have a good time. So I'm solely basing my opinion on the party aspect of the music and how they rocked the crowd." (SOHH Guest Star)

Films and television aside, Rose recently dished out about putting together a music career.

"My inspirations would probably be... Definitely Missy Elliott, definitely, Fergie - when she's rapping and Pitbull. Just big, big music - Dance music that just makes you happy," she said in an interview. "[Wiz's] definitely a part of that influence. Just seeing how he works, how he is in the studio and just how talented he is. ... I write all my own stuff, I've been writing music for a period of time, and it's always been personal for me. I never really opened up about it but you know Wiz is the love of my life, so I told him: 'Babe, I wrote all this stuff...' and he's like, 'Baby... You have pure talent. You can do this.' So I just took what he said and I feel so inspired to do it." (Hip Hop DX)

In August, Wiz and Amber hinted at music-making together.

"We're working on some music for me, yeah," Amber Rose toldBillboard.com on collaborating with Wiz Khalifa. "It's going to be mysterious," Wiz added. "It's going to be very mysterious," Amber Rose said. "You may not even know it's me. We might just throw it out there, might give it out and see what's up." Aside from working on Amber Rose's musical debut, Wiz is working on newmusic himself. "I'm also working on another album and stuff like that. Just chilling out, having fun, I just got done with touring." (Billboard)

Eminem & Jay-Z Motivate, Bring Out Young Jeezy's Thug

Grammy-winning rappers Eminem and Jay-Z are just two of the multiple hip-hop stars fans can expect to hear on Young Jeezy's upcoming Thug Motivation 103 album.

While details are still emerging, Jeezy reportedly has a joint track with Jay and OutKast's Andre 3000.

Your favorite trapper's favorite trapper, Young Jeezy, held a listening session a few nights ago for his fourth studio album, TM103: Hustlerz Ambition. The critics' reception was mostly positive, all the talk revolving around track 14, a record that brings Jeezy himself side-to-side with two of hip-hop's greats, Jay-Z & Andre 3000. Sure, that sounds awesome, but the ATL-based rapper failed to play possibly the biggest record of his career during the session, one with Eminem! Yes, you heard us right. Jizzle phoned into Shade 45 earlier today to chop it up with DJ Whoo Kid about the album, among other things. He confirmed that Em would in fact be on the album as well as Jay-Z, Andre 3000, Jadakiss, Fabolous, Ne-Yo, Snoop Dogg, Jill Scott, Plies, and Devin the Dude. TM103: Hustlerz Ambition hits shelves and digital retailers December 20. (Complex)

Around mid-September, Jeezy leaked the tracklisting to his new LP.

"TRACCLISTING THATS ALL! I MAKE IT ROUGH ON THESE N*GGAS. SIDEBAR TWITTER GANGSTA GO TO TWITTA JAIL. ITS THE WORLD!http://pic.twitter.com/Jc2U2xM," he tweeted Monday (September 12).

"1. Talk 2 Me 2. Real Is How Ya Feel 3. Supa Freak 4. Trump 5. L.M.M. 6. Nothin 7. Never Be The Same 8. 38 9. Higher Learning 10. Change Ya Life 11. I Do 12. Trapped 13. Lil Homies 14. Errythang 15. This Ones For You" (Young Jeezy's Twitter)

September reports suggested Jeezy's long-awaited solo effort would miss its scheduled late summer release date.

The album, the long-awaited third installment in Jeezy's Thug Motivation series, is no longer dropping on September 20, and a new date hasn't been announced. This delay is just the latest in a succession of hold-ups that have plagued the album since 2009. Two singles from TM 103 have already dropped, "Ballin'," featuring Lil Wayne, and "Shake Life." (BET)

During a special New York City performance in July, the rapper said his album would drop heading into the fall.

Taking the stage at Highline Ballroom, Jeezy revealed that his oft-delayed fourth LP will drop this fall. "My ni**a Kinky B. just told me that TM103 will be in stores September 20. Goodnight, I love ya'll!" he told the crowd at the end of his 75-minute set, which featured appearances from Jay-Z, Kanye West, Fabolous, The Lox, and Bun B. (Rap-Up)

Thug Motivation 103 is slated to drop Tuesday, December 20th.

A$AP Rocky Clears Up Milli Record Deal Confusion, "I Don't Have A $3 Million Balance In My Account"

Harlem newcomer A$AP Rocky has cleared the air on misconceptions behind recently signing a $3 million record contract and hinted at what fans can expect next from him.

According to Rocky, he may not have $3 million in the bank just yet, however, his deal with RCA/Polo Grounds will open mulitple venture opportunities.

"I don't have a $3 million dollar balance in my account but the record deal was $3 million though," A$AP tells Billboard. "I got a deal with RCA/Polo Grounds for A$AP Worldwide and I got a deal with them for my solo project, my solo deal; if you combine both deals it amounts to a three million dollar deal." In fact, A$AP is in the studio working on a compilation mixtape, "Long Live A$AP," which will feature his newly signed A$AP Worldwide artists A$AP Ferg, A$AP Nast, A$AP Twelvyy and Space Ghost Purrp. Before dropping his yet-to-be-titled debut set, A$AP plans to release a deluxe edition of his current mixtape that will be marketed and sold commercially similar to Drake's "So Far Gone." After all, A$AP says, "My mixtape is a classic. It's only right to put it out at retail." (Billboard)

A couple days ago, Rocky talked to SOHH about his huge record contract.

"People tend to make a big deal out of everything. I'm gonna be perfectly honest: I been 'hearing' that I'm pretty big. I can go on Twitter and stuff and see that I'm pretty big, but truthfully, I don't know how big I really am yet. You know? Because it's happening to me, I can't really see it like everyone else does. But [being big] is not the most important thing to me at this moment, so I don't stress that. I'd a dope feeling, but I don't know if I'm bigger than I was a week ago." (SOHH)

Rocky went on to say his deal shoots down the myth of an up-and-comer needing a major artist co-sign before invading the mainstream.

"When people used to ask us who we f*ck with and who we had songs with, we'd be like, 'Us'. That's who we roll with, us." That's who we rap with. So, I guess that sh*t worked out for the better because we don't have to perpetrate and fraud like we know [astists] that we don't really know and sh*t. All we got is us, and if you f*ck with us, then we got love for you." (SOHH)

Last week, the rap youngster informally revealed his $3 million deal.

"About three million dollars. [Other rappers who don't sign] are smart, but I feel like Sony/RCA is a family and the people there actually care about me," A$AP responded when asked why he signed with a major. "When I came to meet [Polo Grounds Music founder] Bryan Leach, I got to know him on a personal level-- he would set up car service for me to go to other labels. He wanted to see me make it. He's from Harlem. I'm going to have creative control; there's no bullshit. The situation is almost unrealistic. I mean, five months ago I had about $3,000 in my bank account. Now I'm worth $3 million. Nobody's gotten a deal like that since 50 Cent." (Pitchfork)

Kelly Rowland Reveals Jay-Z & Beyonce Baby's Real Sex, "I'm Actually Very Good W/ Messy Diapers!"

Former Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland has stepped forward to reveal the truth behind Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles' highly publicized baby's gender.

Confirming recent speculation, Rowland said the couple are due to have a daughter.

"I'm so happy for my sister and her husband. They're so happy in this moment right now, as they should be. They've made a little bundle of love, I'm so excited for them," she said in an interview. "I have no idea what I'm going to buy Beyonce at the baby shower because Jay is going to buy that little girl every single thing possible. She won't be spoilt but she will be very well looked-after. I'll be on hand for babysitting duties and I'm actually very good with messy diapers!" (Winnipeg Free Press)

Last week, speculation grew claiming the couple are expecting a daughter.

Beyoncé has seen a lot of dreams come true in her life -- but this one tops them all. The singer has learned she's expecting a girl, an insider tells In Touch exclusively. "Beyoncé is thrilled she's having a daughter," confides a close friend of the singer's, explaining that while Beyoncé and her husband, Jay-Z, would be happy to have a healthy child of either sex, she'd secretly been hoping for a girl. "She and her mother are so close, and she's wanted to have that relationship with her own child." (In Touch Weekly)

Hov and Bey are expected to welcome their daughter's birth in early 2012.

"If it's any time, right now is the time. I'm so happy," Beyoncé says of her pregnancy with Australia's Channel 7 "Sunday Night" show via AOL. During an interview with Beyoncé, Sunday Night reveals Bey' and Jay-Z expect her baby in February 2012. "It already has changed my life," Beyoncé told Sunday Night Show. "My husband and I have been together for ten years. All of my 20s, since I was 20. I just felt like it's time. I'm very grateful that God has bless ed me with the biggest gift any human being can have." (Billboard)

In early October, Rowland expressed her happiness for Jay and Bey.

"I'm so happy for her and her husband [Jay-Z] and just excited to be an auntie -- part two. First it was [Solange's son] Julez -- Now it's a new baby on the rise; it's gonna to be so exciting...I'll help take care of my 'sister' and her husband's baby first. I'm not ready for babies yet. I can watch them take care of this little baby...I get to babysit, yes -- It's a wonderful moment. I just saw my sister today, and I got a chance to rub her tummy." (MTV)

Odd Future Get Tossed Over Anti-Gay Controversy

New Zealand Odd Future fans hoping to see the West Coast crew perform at the Big Day Out annual festival will have to hold out as they have reportedly been taken off the bill over anti-gay controversy.

Details on the promotor's decision to pull the plug on Odd Future hit the Internet this week.

The traveling festival -- which hits several cities in Australia and New Zealand in January -- was compelled to remove Odd Future after a local activist Calvin Bennachie, took his complaints to the Auckland City Council, which owns the venue, Mt. Smart Stadium, that Big Day Out uses to stage acts. (Entertainment Weekly)

Local activist Calum Bennachie has addressed the matter and held a firm stance against Odd Future.

"Lyrics such as those played by Odd Future increase the societal discourse against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, a discourse that encourages bullying and violence," said Bennachie. "By allowing Odd Future to play at Big Day Out, you are proving that you have little concern for the lives and welfare of LGBT people, that you are willing to endanger their lives, and seek to encourage stigmatisation against them. I find this disappointing in an organisation that could do so much to enhance the self-esteem of youth, reduce stigma, and discourage violence." (Billboard)

Despite the nixed OF set, the festival's promoter hopes to do a separate show for them.

However, promoter Ken West is still keen on staging a show with Odd Future and is working with the group to arrange a separate headlining concert. He says, "We are currently in discussions with Odd Future and will be announcing their own solo show for Auckland in the coming weeks." (Toronto Sun)

Odd Future leader Tyler, the Creator previously shared his input on anti-gay slurs.

"I'm not homophobic. I just think f*ggot hits and hurts people. It hits. And gay just means you're stupid. I don't know, we don't think about it, we're just kids. We don't think about that sh*t. But I don't hate gay people. I don't want anyone to think I'm homophobic. ([His friend] Jasper walks into the room) But he's a f*cking f*ggot!" (NME Magazine)

Amber Rose Compares Her Steez To Missy Elliott & Fergie, "[It's] Just Big, Big Music"

After recently raising eyebrows by revealing an interest to make her own records, hip-hop personality/video vixen Amber Rose has opened up about what style of music she sees herself creating.

Rose also said her boyfriend/rapper Wiz Khalifa ultimately sparked her interest in pursuing music seriously.

"My inspirations would probably be... Definitely Missy Elliott, definitely, Fergie - when she's rapping and Pitbull. Just big, big music - Dance music that just makes you happy," she said in an interview. "[Wiz's] definitely a part of that influence. Just seeing how he works, how he is in the studio and just how talented he is. ... I write all my own stuff, I've been writing music for a period of time, and it's always been personal for me. I never really opened up about it but you know Wiz is the love of my life, so I told him: 'Babe, I wrote all this stuff...' and he's like, 'Baby... You have pure talent. You can do this.' So I just took what he said and I feel so inspired to do it." (Hip Hop DX)

In August, Wiz and Amberhinted at music-making together.

"We're working on some music for me, yeah," Amber Rose told Billboard.com on collaborating with Wiz Khalifa. "It's going to be mysterious," Wiz added. "It's going to be very mysterious," Amber Rose said. "You may not even know it's me. We might just throw it out there, might give it out and see what's up." Aside from working on Amber Rose's musical debut, Wiz is working on new music himself. "I'm also working on another album and stuff like that. Just chilling out, having fun, I just got done with touring." (Billboard)

Around mid-August, Rose revealed plans to marry Wiz in the future.

"We're definitely going to get married and have babies. Not right now because we're still busy and we still want to enjoy each other first. We want to go on vacation, travel and just enjoy each other company, but he's definitely the one. We're definitely going to lay it down and get it done." (Global Grind)

In April, she opened up about what Khalifa qualities strike out at her.

"He's really funny, really charming," Rose told hip-hop personalitySway during an interview. "He's really charming, really funny. I didn't know much about his music at first and obviously he became a good friend. I started listening to his music and we became really close. He's awesome, he's talented, he's amazing." (RapFix)

Victoria's Secret Model Addresses Kanye West Dating Rumors

Victoria's Secret model Chanel Iman has come forward to kill speculation and rumors claiming she is romantically involved with Grammy-winning rapper Kanye West.

Although admitting they share a friendship, Iman said Ye is not her lover.

"Rumors are rumors. Everyone's going to have something to say," Iman told Us Weekly at Keep a Child Alive's 8th Annual Black Ball in New York City Thursday. "We're really close; we're cool. We've been really tight since I first started modeling, actually." The catwalk queen added that West has been "really supportive" of her modeling career. "He called me to walk in his show in Paris. He's a good guy. He works really hard at what he does, and when you're around him, you want to be at your best too." (Us Magazine)

After also denying Ye dating rumors earlier this year, 19 year-old model Kate Upton recently spoke on her relationship with the rap star.

"[How did I deal with the Kanye dating rumors?] I know Kanye and we're friends. So I think that was a fine situation because I could laugh it off. But it doesn't really affect me. I just try to ignore it and then it's over." (Global Grind)

Earlier this year, reports connected Upton with Yeezy from a series of photos.

Kanye West has been linked to underwear model Kate Upton after it was revealed that it was she he was spotted kissing in Cannes, France this weekend. Paparazzi pictures showed the 'Runaway' rapper passionately kissing an unknown blonde girl. She has since been identified as 18 year old Kate Upton. Upton, who is fifteen years younger than Kanye (33), is a swimsuit and underwear model and was named Sports Illustrated's Rookie Of The Year for 2010. (Pop Dash)

No stranger to loving ladies, Ye made headlines last year after following strictly models on his Twitter page.

Oddly enough if you take a look at Mr. West's Twitter today, he's following 16 new people. Jessica Stam, Chanel Iman, Selita Ebanks and Bar Refaeli are some of the beautiful new people West has chosen to follow--and I have chosen to ogle. Ebanks is featured in the movie for West's "Runaway." She plays a phoenix that has fallen to Earth who West makes his girlfriend--and I can't make that up. West name drops 21 well-known models in his verse, so he actually has five more to track down, but give him time. He's still mixing his album and he finished leaving the world in awe after his SNL performance this past weekend. And while you wait, be sure to look at Jeremy Dante's visual breakdown of West's verse. The fashion blogger has taken to time to compile photos of all 21 models and we should be grateful for the visual aide. (Rapfix)

DMX Checks In W/ The Doctor, "[People] Rarely Get To See Earl Simmons"

Looking to help steer a troubled teen back into the right direction, SOHH has exclusively learned rap star DMX is headed to celebrity doctor Dr. Drew's "Lifechangers" show next week to help provide his guidance to those in need.

X's publicist Domenick Nati explained his client's decision to get involved with the show.

"I am very excited about this show. Everybody knows DMX the artist and performer but his fans rarely get to see Earl Simmons," Nati told SOHH via statement. "When Earl was asked to try to help a troubled teen he was insistent that everything be "real". He didn't want anything scripted, he just wanted to speak from the heart. I haven't seen the final cut but I hope that the world gets a glimpse of how genuine DMX really is." (SOHH)

Nati also provided SOHH press details on what we can expect from next week's show.

DMX is now using his success story to help others. X was called upon by Dr. Drew to keep a Los Angeles teen from joining his brothers in jail. "The Dog" accomplishes this with a heavy dose of real talk, and by showing him how he can substitute a future in the slammer with a freedom in the studio. But before X can help this troubled teen he first helps himself by sitting down with Dr. Drew and discussing his past life of crime and substance abuse. The show is called "Dr. Drew's Lifechangers" and it airs on Wednesday November 9th on the CW at 3:00pm. (Press Release)

A few weeks ago, DMX revealed kicking his cocaine habit.

DMX tells TMZ, he has finally kicked the drug addictions that kept him behind bars for years -- and he has his children to thank. X tells us, coke was his greatest demon after his latest prison release in July -- "Everyone was taking advantage of me with my finances, trying to put me in the direction to fail. I have 10 kids. I have to drive them in the right direction, so I let the cocaine go." The rapper -- real name Earl Simmons -- says God also helped him through ... telling us, "I am on a spiritual road to do right in my life. I am leaving out all negativity and going to stay on the right road to positive." (TMZ)

"Lifechangers" is a new daily show featured on The CW Network.

Sometimes, it's making simple changes in your life than can help you get un-stuck. That's what leads to transformation. "Dr. Drew's Lifechangers" will provide a simple, practical road map to help you turn your life around. This innovative new daily TV talk show will be hosted by Board Certified Internist and Relationship Expert Dr. Drew Pinsky. (LCTV)

"I Been Hearing That I'm Pretty Big"

SOHH recently caught up with A$AP Rocky to discuss life as he knows it since officially announcing his deal with RCA.

When asked if he knew the $3 million dollar announcement would cause such a stir on the Internet, the Harlem rapper said the public's response was something he never expected.

"People tend to make a big deal out of everything. I'm gonna be perfectly honest: I been hearing that I'm pretty big. I can go on Twitter and stuff and see that I'm pretty big, but truthfully, I don't know how big I really am yet. You know? Because it's happening to me, I can't really see it like everyone else does. But [being big] is not the most important thing to me at this moment, so I don't stress that. I'd a dope feeling, but I don't know if I'm bigger than I was a week ago." (SOHH)

Rocky went on to add that his deal shoots down the myth that an up-and-comer needs a major artist co-sign before stepping foot in the game.

"When people used to ask us who we f*ck with and who we had songs with, we'd be like, 'Us'. That's who we roll with, us." That's who we rap with. So, I guess that sh*t worked out for the better because we don't have to perpetrate and fraud like we know [astists] that we don't really know and sh*t. All we got is us, and if you f*ck with us, then we got love for you." (SOHH)

Vado, another MC hailing from Harlem, signed a deal with music mogul Jimmy Iovine's Interscope Records earlier this year.

Vado is about to have a new home. The Harlem spitter confirmed to XXLMag.com that he recently inked a deal with the Interscope Records. Details of the deal are still emerging. V-Don's retail mixtape, Slime Flu hit stores last October, and was released on eOne. His collabo album with Cam'ron, Gunz N' Butta, is slated to drop next month on April 12 also through eOne. Vado will be appearing on XXL's UStream show Spotlight next Wednesday, April 6. (XXL Mag)

A record deal worth millions is not always a meal ticket to success, a lesson fellow New York MC Papoose learned when his infamous $1.5 Million dollar deal with Jive ended with an official album never being released. As of 2011, Nacirema Dream is scheduled to be sold independently.

Rapper Papoose is prepping the release of his upcoming album Nacirema Dream, due to be released via the rapper's own independent label Honor B4 Money Records. Papoose has recruited Erykah Badu, Jim Jones and Jadakiss for appearances on the project. Busta Rhymes and Lloyd Banks have already appeared on the pre-release single "Party Bout to Pop (Remix)," and Papoose' incarcerated fiancee Remy Ma guested on "Bucked Naked (Remix)." The album was originally supposed to be released on Jive five years ago. But issues with the label forced him to depart after only a year. The release date hasn't been made public as of yet. (Hip Hop Blog)